Lab Technician

The Hops Extract Corporation of America (HECA) Lab Technician’s primary function is to analyze hop products produced in the CO2, QC, and DSP production facilities. The Lab Tech will perform accurate lab analysis and report results in a timely manner in service of CO2 and DSP plant production. The Lab Tech will be well versed in product specifications of CO2 plant and DSP products to ensure HECA products meet Hopsteiner’s high-quality hop product manufacturing standards. The Lab Tech will also assist in the other Hopsteiner labs when not performing analyses in the CO2, QC, and DSP labs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare samples for analysis (e.g. grinding, blending).
• Weigh samples.
• Add solvent to samples.
• Prepare production composites for storage.
• Set up oil distillations.
• Keep lab solvent supply filled.
• Wash glassware and store glassware away each day.
• Clean lab and empty chemical waste containers.
• Operate the lab instrumentation (Spectro, HPLC, Diluter, etc.)
• Enter sample descriptions into the lab database.
• Dilute samples for analysis using a syringe diluter and alternative method.
• Run HPLC and UV Spectrophotometer including calibration. Maintain records of analysis data.
• Maintain records of calibration and calibration checks for instruments in the lab.
• Perform routine maintenance and repair on lab equipment.
• Enter lab data into the computer data system.
• Prepare reports from lab data and route them to appropriate persons and file records in a timely manner.
• Prepare samples of hop products for shipment to customers.
• Perform final packaged product inspection for labeling accuracy and package cleanliness.
• Understand the OSHA Safety/Health Plan.
• Do a full range of hop analysis methods as described in ASBC/EBC manuals and HECA SOPs including accompanying instrumentation.
• Train new lab personnel if necessary.
• Monitor the usage of lab solvents, glassware, and other consumable lab equipment.
• Monitor CO2 and DSP plant safety.
• Assist Technical Services Manager with ISO90001/HACCP/GMP programs.
• Monitoring of wastewater usage and wastewater testing.
• Prepare samples for different studies and monitor results.
• Assist lab manager in method development for analysis of new products.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Experience, Education, and Licensure/Certification Requirements:

• Associate Degree or technical school diploma required. Bachelor of Science preferred.
• Laboratory experience in educational coursework and/or employment preferred.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Computer literacy is required.
• Must be comfortable working in a laboratory environment performing experiments, testing, and operating pilot plants.
• Must work well with others as well as work independently.
• Must be self-motivating, and innovative, and provide technical expertise.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.
• Must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.